Genealogical Maturity Model – 2012 Assessment

Late in 2009, the Ancestry Insider started a series of posts proposing a self-assessment model for genealogists, which culminated in the Genealogical Maturity Model. While I don’t agree with all the descriptions, it can be a useful way to measure one’s skill set. I’ve used the tool before, but did not keep a record of my results. As part of my work of the US-REC Study Group, here’s an updated assessment. . .

Step 1. Self Evaluation

In each table below, read the descriptions for each level. Place a check mark in the row that best describes you.

Sources

Level

Sources

Check

1

Entry

Typically relies on compiled genealogies.

2

Emerging

Mostly relies on compiled genealogies and online sources.

3

Practicing

Uses a limited number of record types and repositories. Mostly relies on online and microfilmed sources.

4

Proficient

Uses a wide variety of record types. Often contacts record custodians to obtain copies of high-quality sources.

x

5

Stellar

Insightfully pursues research at multiple, targeted repositories, making use of a plethora of records and record types. "Burned counties" are not roadblocks.

As a genealogy hobbyist with a full-time job, my time is spent mostly using online records. However, I do use a wide variety of record types and I’m not afraid to contact record custodians if the document I seek is not available online. I personally think this section needs to be re-written to take out the bias against online records. If I can access images of documents online, then it is a more efficient use of my limited time to do so, rather than writing or driving to a far-away repository to access the same records.

I agree with Michael Hait’s assertion that 4 and 5 should be reversed. The ultimate goal should be to give complete and accurate source citations, whether one uses genealogy software or not. I’m giving myself a 5.

Information

Level

Information

Check

1

Entry

Typically does not realize the need to judge information quality and has no basis for doing so.

RootsMagic 4 and 5 have a great little feature in the Citation Manager that allows one to assess the quality of the source for each citation, using the evidence classification described in the Genealogical Proof Standard. Sources can be marked as original or derivative; information can be marked as primary or secondary; and evidence can be marked as direct, indirect, or negative; all three pieces also have a “Don’t Know” option. Using this feature has been invaluable to me, because that is when I really began to apply that level of critical thinking to each bit of data I encounter in my research.

Conclusions

Level

Conclusions

Check

1

Entry

In the absence of analysis, reaches conclusions by instinct.

2

Emerging

Learning to evaluate the quality of sources, information, and evidence. Emerging ability to resolve minor discrepancies.

3

Practicing

Additionally, resolves conflicting evidence or uses it to disprove prevalent opinion. Usually applies correct identity to persons mentioned in sources.

I’m giving myself a 3.5 on Conclusions, because I don’t feel like I’m quite “there” yet, when it comes to creating soundly reasoned conclusions.

Step 2. Tally

This next exercise is optional. It is a non-scientific method of determining your “genealogical maturity.” Write your level number in the table below for each category above. Add up all the numbers and write the total in the last row.

I actually averaged mine, because the original article included one additional section, so the “total” ranges are inflated without that section.

Category

Rating

1

Sources

4

2

Citations

5

3

Information

4

4

Evidence

5

5

Conclusions

3.5

Average

4.3

Overall Rating: Proficient

Step 3. Improve

Review the categories and pick one to work on. See what you need to do to advance from your current level to the next level. Make that your goal. Don’t try and work on all categories at once. Baby steps. Don’t try to skip levels. Baby steps. Commit to yourself and focus your efforts on that one, little goal.

Once you’ve accomplished that goal, come back and pick another area for improvement.

Writing conclusions is the area that jumps out at me and it goes along with another skill that I’m working on – writing research summaries. Bart Brenner over at Stardust ‘n’ Rootsnoted in a similar post that “having the data [is] not enough.” It’s easy to get caught up in finding new records, extracting data, and citing sources, but without the written conclusions, we don’t really move forward with the research.

Categories

About Tonia

Hi, I am Tonia Kendrick. Genealogy is my hobby, my passion (those who say obsession would not be accused of crazy-talk). While I had helped my mom with genealogy as a teenager, I first caught the bug myself when computers came into the picture.

Now we are well into the 21st-century and every day brings a new genealogy adventure, whether it is a new record group to explore online or a visit to a cemetery, courthouse, or other repository. It all comes together here. Read more about Tonia's Roots or contact Tonia. Read More…